Presenter: Prof. Dr. Thushara Weerawardane, Kotelawala Defence University, Sri Lanka

Inviting Professor: Prof. Dr. Anna Förster

Abstract: 

Artificial intelligence is transforming higher education by creating new opportunities for teaching, learning, research, and administration, while also raising important ethical, academic, and governance concerns. This policy framework establishes a clear, institution-wide foundation for the responsible, ethical, and equitable use of AI in university education, research, scholarly activity, and administration. It recognises the potential of AI, particularly generative AI, to enhance productivity, innovation, accessibility, and institutional effectiveness. At the same time, it acknowledges associated risks relating to academic integrity, originality, transparency, fairness, data privacy, security, intellectual property, and equitable access.

The framework affirms that AI should support and enhance, not replace, human intellectual effort, academic judgement, and professional responsibility. It is guided by the principles of integrity, transparency, accountability, fairness, compliance, security, human oversight, and respect for intellectual property. It also promotes AI literacy, institutional capacity building, and continuous review to ensure responsiveness to technological change and evolving academic expectations. By providing a common institutional framework while allowing faculties and departments to develop discipline-specific guidance, the policy aims to ensure consistency, flexibility, and responsible governance across the University. Ultimately, it seeks to guide AI adoption in a manner that upholds academic excellence, ethical standards, and the University’s long-term strategic mission.